Relocating appears to be a simple task until the time comes to take the plunge.
To be clear, I’ve always said in passing that I’d like to leave the hustle and bustle of Accra, but never considered what it would entail to relocate to an unknown location.
What necessitated my relocation to Sunyani?
It all started with a job application with no surety of relocating but still applying because it looked promising. I came across a publication by InspiNest while searching for job applications on LinkedIn one day, and as a communication professional with a degree in Public Relations, I thought why not?
I applied because I thought it would be a good opportunity to improve my communication skills. I had no hope of moving because I assumed it would be one of those numerous job applications where you never get called.
Favor on my side, I received a message in the early morning of February 8, 2022 informing me that I had been scheduled for an interview with InspiNest. I met with my current boss, Emil Persson, and our project manager, Godfred Darko, for the interview. I had a stressful morning, so I don’t think I gave it my all. But after the interview, I briefly considered whether I would be willing to relocate to Sunyani.
Let me walk you through the process of deciding whether or not to relocate.
Immediately, I began looking for Sunyani on the map, and that 8 hour drive from Accra killed my spirit. Truthfully, I gave up until four days later when I was contacted for further discussions. I kept asking myself, “Why me?”
I remember talking to my mother and two close friends because I needed to know if I was making the right decision. Living in an unknown location, having to fend for yourself while providing basic amenities and utilities, is the definition of the ghetto. Please do not take that step if you are not prepared to make certain difficult decisions about your finances and life.
If skeptical was a name, I would be it. I had to leave Accra by March, so I had a month to wallow in worry and overthinking. I awoke numerous times wondering if I really needed to do this. Some days, I told myself that this job wasn’t for me, while others, I wanted to follow my heart and take the risk.
The only thing that kept me going was this: I’m going to start my professional communication journey with this and build a career around it. After deciding to relocate, I realized how important it was to have a vision and pursue it.
I started having imposter syndrome a few days before I had to leave. My dad, as usual, wanted to be an investigative journalist so took all the pertinent information about the company. On March 12th, I finally packed my bags and a few essentials and headed to the bus station. I called my sister for moral support, and by the time I arrived, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
Relocating has been the best decision I’ve ever made.
How did I find out? When praying for a job, ask for a work environment that will not lead to burnout, depression, or regret. Felix Dumong, our co-founder, met us at the bus station, and the reception was phenomenal. I felt like I belonged here, and all of my uncertainties and doubts vanished.
Most at times, you will think that the reception is a nine-day wonder, but no, I get the freedom to be creative.
A few months later, and it has truly been an interesting journey filled with widespread optimism. There have been both setbacks and surprises. But ultimately I have no regrets. The work culture, coupled with the fact that I enjoy my job, has made me feel at ease in Sunyani. I rarely think about going to Accra anymore. Now I get to speak to young girls about my passions and make a positive impact on their lives.
